NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said Wednesday, September 13, that instead of abolishing the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), Malacañang should appoint an administrator who has a good track record, and who is knowledgeable and experienced.

“The statement of the President was drastic. The abolition of the SRA needs congressional action. I’m sure that the sugar industry will lobby against the abolition because it is a big industry and millions of people are dependent on it. I believe the President will listen because of the failure of the previous administrator,” he added.

Marañon said the sugar industry is a complex industry having both the milling and the farming components.

The governor recently led the "Sugar and More” Negros Summit held at the Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod City participated by the industry leaders and stakeholders to address the pressing problems hounding the sugar industry.

SRA Administrator Anna Rosario Paner resigned last week.

Among those nominated to be Paner's successor are Sugar Board Member Hermenegildo Serafica, who is from Ormoc City, and former Negros Occidental Board Member Emilio Yulo III, now spokesperson of Sugar Alliance of the Philippines.